12 Evidence-Based Herbs for Liver Support: Dosage & Safety

If you’ve Googled “herbs for liver support,” you’ve seen it all: bold detox promises, conflicting tips, and warnings about supplements that can do more harm than good. The reality sits in the middle. A handful of herbs show encouraging human data for markers like ALT/AST or liver fat; others have only early or animal evidence. And the details matter—standardization, dose, duration, product quality, and your medical history can change the risk–benefit calculus.

This guide keeps things practical and evidence-forward. For each herb, you’ll see what it is, the compounds that may drive effects, how it might support liver function, a quick evidence snapshot (with priority on human trials), typical dosing and forms used in studies, safety notes and drug interactions, and who it may be best for. We’ll also flag quality cues (third‑party testing, standardized extracts) so you can shop wisely.

Important: Herbs can interact with medications (including for blood pressure, diabetes, clotting, and transplants) and aren’t a substitute for medical care—especially if you have liver disease, are pregnant, or plan surgery. With that in mind, here are 12 evidence‑based options: a 7‑herb blend used in Ultra Magic Detox, plus milk thistle, turmeric/curcumin, green tea, licorice root, ginseng, garlic, ginger, schisandra, artichoke leaf, astragalus, and danshen.

1. Ultra Magic Detox (7-herb blend: burdock root, dandelion root, rhubarb root, goldenseal, sheep sorrel, cat’s claw, pau d’arco)

What it is

Ultra Magic Detox is a maximum‑strength 7‑day herbal protocol built around a traditional “cleanse” blend of roots and barks. It’s made in the USA in a GMP‑certified, FDA‑registered facility, uses 100% natural, non‑GMO herbs, is lab‑tested for purity and potency, ships discreetly, and is backed by a 30‑day money‑back guarantee. The brand positions it as a full‑body detox that supports the liver, kidneys, and digestive tract.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

This formula combines bitter roots (burdock, dandelion) and botanicals long used in traditional systems for digestive and elimination support, alongside astringent barks (pau d’arco) and cleansing herbs (sheep sorrel, cat’s claw, rhubarb, goldenseal). As a category, herbs for liver support are often chosen for antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and bile‑flow–supportive actions; in blended products, the intended outcome is complementary coverage of detox pathways and regularity.

Evidence snapshot

There are no head‑to‑head human clinical trials on this exact 7‑herb combination. Evidence relevant to liver health is strongest for single herbs (e.g., turmeric/curcumin, green tea catechins, licorice, ginseng, garlic, ginger) that have shown improvements in markers like ALT/AST or liver fat in human studies; we cover those below. For multi‑herb “detox” blends, data are typically limited to traditional use and early/animal research, so individual responses can vary.

Typical dose and form

Capsules taken over a structured 7‑day course. Follow the product label exactly. Stay well‑hydrated and pair with a balanced diet while using any cleanse‑style program.

• Common form: Vegetarian capsules
• Program: 7 consecutive days as directed

Safety notes and interactions

Herbal blends can interact with medications and aren’t a substitute for medical care—especially if you have known liver disease.

• Avoid unless cleared by your clinician: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, transplant meds, significant liver/kidney disease
• Potential interactions: Blood thinners, diabetes medications, blood‑pressure drugs, and other prescription therapies
• Possible effects: Temporary GI upset; stop use and seek care if you notice jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, or right‑upper‑quadrant pain
• Quality matters: Choose lab‑tested products; some herbal supplements have been linked to liver injury or contamination in the wider market

Best for

• Short‑term structure: People who prefer a defined 7‑day, multi‑herb protocol with clear directions
• Privacy and quality: Shoppers who value US manufacturing, third‑party testing, discreet shipping, and a money‑back guarantee
• Bridging plan: Those planning to continue with single‑herb options that have human data (e.g., turmeric, green tea, licorice) after a short reset

2. Milk thistle (silymarin)

What it is

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a classic herb for liver support. The active complex, silymarin, is extracted from the seeds and has been used for bile duct and liver conditions for centuries. Today it’s one of the most widely studied herbs for fatty liver and other chronic liver issues.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

Silymarin is a group of flavonolignans—primarily silybin, silychristin, and silydianin. In studies, silymarin demonstrates strong antioxidant activity and may help promote hepatocyte (liver cell) regeneration and reduce inflammation—mechanisms central to supporting a stressed liver.

Evidence snapshot

Human data are mixed but encouraging in specific contexts. Reviews note milk thistle is frequently investigated for NAFLD; some trials suggest silymarin can help protect against disease progression, improve quality of life in chronic liver disease, and may even prolong survival in alcoholic cirrhosis. Other studies, however, find no benefit over placebo. Bottom line: it’s a reasonable, generally well‑tolerated adjunct with variable effect sizes, and more rigorous research is needed.

Typical dose and form

Most products use a standardized seed extract labeled for silymarin content. Trials commonly run for weeks to months.

• Common forms: Standardized capsules/softgels; liquid extracts
• How to use: Follow the product’s standardized‑extract directions; look for third‑party testing and clearly stated silymarin percentage
• Use window: Consistency over time (not a “one‑and‑done” dose) is typical in studies

Safety notes and interactions

Milk thistle is considered safe and has not been associated with significant adverse effects in studies, even at higher doses. As with any herb, individual risk varies.

• Talk to your clinician if: You’re pregnant/breastfeeding, have diagnosed liver disease, or take prescription medications
• General cautions: The broader herbal market has documented cases of contamination; choose lab‑tested products
• Stop and seek care if: You notice yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, or right‑upper‑quadrant pain

Best for

• Gentle, well‑tolerated support: People who want a “first‑line” herb for liver health with a long safety record
• Adjunct to lifestyle care: Those addressing NAFLD‑related markers with diet, weight management, and exercise
• Maintenance users: Individuals seeking antioxidant liver support while acknowledging effects can be modest and study results mixed

3. Turmeric/curcumin (often paired with piperine)

What it is

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is the bright yellow spice used in cooking; its primary active is curcumin. As a herb for liver support, curcumin is popular for its anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant actions and is frequently combined with piperine (from black pepper) to boost absorption.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

Curcumin is a polyphenol that helps modulate inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress—two pressure points in liver health. By lowering inflammatory signaling and neutralizing free radicals, it may support healthier liver enzymes and reduce fat accumulation in the liver.

Evidence snapshot

Human trials in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are promising. In one study, 500 mg/day of curcumin for 8 weeks significantly reduced liver fat and AST/ALT versus placebo. Another 12‑week trial using 500 mg curcumin plus 5 mg piperine per day led to significant reductions in ALT, AST, LDL cholesterol, and inflammatory markers, and improved overall NAFLD severity compared with placebo. Overall, results support curcumin as a useful adjunct alongside lifestyle care.

Typical dose and form

Most products provide a standardized curcumin extract; many add piperine to enhance bioavailability. Consistent daily use over weeks—not a single dose—is how it’s studied.

• Common forms: Capsules/softgels with curcumin; curcumin + piperine
• Studied amounts: 500 mg curcumin/day for 8 weeks; 500 mg curcumin + 5 mg piperine/day for 12 weeks
• Use tips: Take as directed on a lab‑tested product; pair with a balanced diet and activity

Safety notes and interactions

Curcumin is generally considered safe, but rare cases of acute liver injury have been reported; contamination or product issues may contribute. As with any supplement, quality and medical context matter.

• Consult your clinician if: You have liver disease, take prescription meds, are pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Stop and seek care if: You develop jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, or right‑upper‑quadrant pain
• Quality matters: Choose third‑party tested products from reputable manufacturers

Best for

• NAFLD support: Adults aiming to improve ALT/AST and liver fat alongside diet and exercise
• Inflammation balance: Those seeking antioxidant/anti‑inflammatory liver support
• Structure and consistency: People willing to commit to 8–12 weeks of standardized dosing

4. Green tea (Camellia sinensis; catechins/EGCG)

What it is

Green tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis and is widely consumed as a beverage, but its concentrated extracts are also used as supplements in many herbs for liver support protocols. Research often focuses on standardized green tea extracts rather than brewed tea for consistent catechin delivery.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

Green tea’s key bioactives are catechins—especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). These compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory activity and may help reduce fat accumulation in the liver, support healthier ALT/AST levels, and protect against cellular injury from toxins and oxidative stress.

Evidence snapshot

Human data in NAFLD are encouraging. In randomized trials, 500 mg/day of green tea extract for 90 days significantly reduced ALT and AST; another 12‑week study using 500 mg/day improved ALT, AST, inflammatory markers, and reduced fatty changes in the liver versus placebo. Observational and review data also associate green tea intake with protection against several liver conditions, including fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, and liver cancer.

Typical dose and form

Standardized extracts are used most often in studies; brewed tea remains a practical daily option, though dosing is less precise.

• Common forms: Standardized green tea extract capsules; brewed green tea
• Studied amounts: 500 mg green tea extract daily for 12 weeks to 90 days
• Use tips: Choose a lab‑tested extract with declared catechin/EGCG content; pair supplementation with diet and activity changes for best NAFLD outcomes

Safety notes and interactions

Drinking green tea is considered safe for most people. In rare cases, green tea extract supplements have been linked to acute liver injury. Product quality and individual context matter.

• Avoid or get medical clearance if: You have diagnosed liver disease, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or take prescription medications
• Watch for: Yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, right‑upper‑quadrant pain—stop and seek care if these occur
• Quality matters: Use third‑party tested products and follow label directions

Best for

• NAFLD support: Adults aiming to improve ALT/AST and liver fat alongside nutrition and exercise
• Antioxidant coverage: Those seeking catechin‑based oxidative stress support for the liver
• Flexible use: People who want either a daily beverage habit or a standardized extract with clinical‑style dosing

5. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra; glycyrrhizin)

What it is

Licorice root is a traditional medicinal herb used in Chinese and Japanese formulas and increasingly explored among herbs for liver support. Modern interest centers on standardized extracts rather than candy, which typically contains little to no active root.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

The primary active is the saponin compound glycyrrhizin. In research, licorice demonstrates anti‑inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective activity. By modulating inflammation and oxidative stress—and potentially supporting normal bile flow—glycyrrhizin may help protect hepatocytes and improve liver enzyme profiles.

Evidence snapshot

Human trials, while limited, are encouraging:

• In a randomized controlled trial of 66 people with fatty liver disease, 2 g/day of licorice root extract for 2 months significantly reduced ALT and AST versus placebo.
• In a small crossover study, taking a glycyrrhizin product before nightly vodka for 12 days prevented significant rises in ALT, AST, and GGT seen in the alcohol‑only group, suggesting protection against alcohol‑related injury.
  Overall, findings support licorice as a useful adjunct for enzyme improvement, though larger, longer trials are needed.

Typical dose and form

Use standardized licorice extracts as directed on the label; clinical studies have used the following ranges and durations.

• Common forms: Standardized licorice root extract capsules; liquid extracts
• Studied amounts: 2,000 mg/day licorice root extract for ~8 weeks (NAFLD RCT)
• Use tips: Consistency over weeks is key; pair with diet and activity changes for metabolic‑liver benefits

Safety notes and interactions

Chronic or high‑dose licorice can cause elevated blood pressure and low potassium (hypokalemia). Quality and medical oversight matter.

• Avoid or get medical clearance if: You have hypertension, kidney disease, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or take diuretics, heart, or blood‑pressure medicines
• Possible side effects: Fluid retention, headache, weakness (from low potassium)
• Red flags—stop and seek care: Jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, right‑upper‑quadrant pain
• Product quality: Choose lab‑tested supplements; contamination has been reported in the broader herbal market

Best for

• NAFLD enzyme support: Adults aiming to lower ALT/AST alongside nutrition and exercise
• Alcohol‑related protection (short term): Those seeking targeted support around higher liver stress periods
• Formula users: People comfortable using evidence‑informed traditional botanicals with mindful dosing and monitoring

6. Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

What it is

Panax ginseng (often called Korean/Asian ginseng) is a classic adaptogenic root used for stamina and resilience. Among herbs for liver support, it’s studied for anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant, and fatigue‑reducing effects in people with liver dysfunction.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

Its signature actives are ginsenosides, which modulate inflammatory signaling and oxidative stress. Experimental work suggests protection against toxin‑, virus‑, and alcohol‑related injury and a potential boost in liver cell regeneration after surgery—mechanisms that can translate to healthier enzymes and less hepatic stress.

Evidence snapshot

• In a randomized trial of 51 men with elevated ALT, taking 3 g/day ginseng extract for 12 weeks significantly reduced ALT and GGT versus placebo.
• Additional human studies report improved liver function, inflammation, and fatigue in chronic liver disease and NAFLD, including with Korean Red Ginseng and fermented ginseng preparations.
  Overall, early human data are promising but still limited; benefits appear modest and depend on dose, duration, and product quality.

Typical dose and form

• Common forms: Standardized Panax ginseng root extract; Korean Red Ginseng; fermented ginseng powder
• Studied amounts: 3,000 mg/day extract for 12 weeks (elevated ALT); other trials used daily fermented/KRG products for 12 weeks
• Use tips: Choose third‑party tested products; use consistently for 8–12 weeks alongside diet and activity changes.

Safety notes and interactions

Ginseng is generally well‑tolerated, but it can interact with medications and rare cases of ginseng‑related drug‑induced liver injury have been reported.

• Get medical clearance if: You take prescription meds, have diagnosed liver disease, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or are a transplant recipient
• Watch for: Jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, right‑upper‑quadrant pain—stop and seek care if these occur
• Potential interactions: May affect responses to blood thinners, diabetes, and blood‑pressure medications

Best for

• Mild enzyme elevations/NAFLD: Adults seeking incremental improvements in ALT/GGT with lifestyle changes
• Energy + liver support: Those with fatigue related to liver dysfunction who want an adaptogen with emerging human data

7. Garlic (Allium sativum)

What it is

Garlic is a culinary staple that also shows promise among herbs for liver support. Beyond flavor, standardized powders and whole‑clove intake have been studied for effects on liver enzymes, liver fat, and long‑term liver risk markers.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

Garlic delivers sulfur‑rich compounds—allicin, alliin, and ajoene—with antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory actions. These may help counter oxidative stress, support healthier lipid metabolism, and ease hepatocyte strain, translating to improvements in ALT/AST and liver fat in certain settings.

Evidence snapshot

Human data are encouraging for NAFLD and longer‑term risk associations. In a randomized trial of 98 adults with NAFLD, taking 800 mg/day garlic powder for 15 weeks significantly reduced ALT, AST, LDL, and triglycerides; 51% improved liver fat severity versus 16% in the control group. Observational research in >24,000 adults found men eating raw garlic more than seven times weekly had up to a 29% lower risk of NAFLD (not seen in women). Another study linked eating raw garlic at least twice weekly with a 23% lower risk of liver cancer.

Typical dose and form

Clinical studies use standardized powders; population data also examine raw clove intake. Choose lab‑tested products and pair with diet and activity for best results.

• Common forms: Standardized garlic powder capsules; raw cloves in meals
• Studied amounts: 800 mg/day garlic powder for 15 weeks (NAFLD RCT)
• Food pattern: Raw garlic multiple times per week was associated with lower NAFLD and liver cancer risk in observational data

Safety notes and interactions

Garlic is generally safe as food; rare cases of liver injury have been reported with concentrated supplements.

• Get medical clearance if: You have liver disease, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or take prescription medications
• Stop and seek care if: You notice jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, or right‑upper‑quadrant pain
• Quality matters: Use third‑party tested supplements; follow label directions

Best for

• NAFLD enzyme and lipid support: Adults aiming to lower ALT/AST and improve LDL/triglycerides alongside lifestyle
• Food‑first users: People willing to include raw garlic regularly with or without a standardized supplement
• Cardiometabolic focus: Those seeking liver support that also aligns with heart‑health goals

8. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

What it is

Ginger is a culinary root with a long history in traditional medicine. It’s now a rising favorite among herbs for liver support thanks to human studies showing benefits for liver enzymes, inflammation, and metabolic markers tied to fatty liver.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

Ginger’s primary actives—gingerols and shogaols—exert antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects. By reducing oxidative stress, calming inflammatory signaling, and improving insulin sensitivity and lipids, ginger can ease stress on hepatocytes and help normalize markers like ALT, AST, and GGT. It may also offer protection against alcohol‑related oxidative injury.

Evidence snapshot

Human trials in NAFLD are encouraging:

• A 12‑week randomized trial in 46 people found 1,500 mg/day ginger powder significantly reduced ALT, total and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and CRP versus placebo.
• Another 12‑week study showed 2 g/day ginger significantly lowered ALT, GGT, inflammatory markers, and hepatic fat accumulation compared with placebo.
  Together, these data support ginger as a useful adjunct to diet and exercise for enzyme and steatosis improvement.

Typical dose and form

Consistent daily intake over weeks—not a single dose—is how ginger has been studied for liver support.

• Common forms: Standardized ginger powder capsules; teas and culinary use for maintenance
• Studied amounts: 1,500–2,000 mg/day ginger powder for 12 weeks (NAFLD RCTs)
• Use tips: Choose lab‑tested products and pair with nutrition and activity changes

Safety notes and interactions

Ginger is generally considered safe, including for people with liver conditions. Always check with your clinician before starting high‑dose supplements.

• Stop and seek care if: You notice yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, or right‑upper‑quadrant pain
• Quality matters: Use third‑party tested products and follow label directions

Best for

• NAFLD support: Adults aiming to improve ALT/AST/GGT and reduce liver fat alongside lifestyle changes
• Metabolic synergy: Those who also want help with inflammation, cholesterol, and fasting glucose
• Food‑first users: People who like a gentle, culinary‑friendly herb with human data

9. Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

What it is

Schisandra is a bright red, five‑flavor berry long used in traditional East Asian formulas for resilience and liver well‑being. You’ll often see it included alongside other herbs for liver support in modern blends that target bile flow, oxidative stress, and overall hepatocyte protection.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

In traditional use and modern formulations, schisandra is chosen for its antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory profile and its supportive role in normal bile dynamics. Practically, that means it’s used to help the liver manage day‑to‑day oxidative load and metabolic stress—often paired with milk thistle, turmeric/curcumin, and licorice in comprehensive liver products.

Evidence snapshot

Human clinical trial data specific to schisandra for liver outcomes are limited compared with better‑studied options like green tea catechins, curcumin, licorice, ginger, garlic, ginseng, and milk thistle (which show improvements in ALT/AST, liver fat, or inflammation in trials). That’s why many “liver support” formulas position schisandra as a complementary ingredient rather than a stand‑alone primary agent. More rigorous human studies are needed.

Typical dose and form

Schisandra appears in standardized berry extracts and in multi‑herb liver blends.

• Common forms: Standardized berry extract capsules; multi‑herb liver formulas (e.g., combinations that also include milk thistle, turmeric, and licorice)
• How to use: Follow the product’s label; use consistently over weeks when part of a maintenance plan; pair with diet and activity changes

Safety notes and interactions

As with all herbs for liver support, quality and context matter. The broader herbal market has documented cases of contamination and herb‑induced liver injury with various products; choose third‑party tested supplements and monitor how you feel.

• Get medical clearance if: You have diagnosed liver disease, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or take prescription medications (including blood thinners, diabetes, or blood‑pressure drugs)
• Stop and seek care if: You notice yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, or right‑upper‑quadrant pain
• Quality matters: Prefer GMP‑made, lab‑tested products with clear identity and potency

Best for

• Blend users: People who want a complementary berry in a multi‑herb liver formula that also includes agents with human data (e.g., curcumin, green tea extract, licorice, ginger)
• Maintenance support: Those looking for antioxidant “coverage” as part of a longer‑term routine
• Gentle approach: Individuals preferring a non‑stimulating botanical that fits easily into daily capsules or tea‑style regimens

10. Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus)

What it is

Artichoke leaf comes from the same plant as the familiar globe artichoke, but the standardized leaf extract is what you’ll see in supplements. It’s a classic “bitter” used in many herbs for liver support formulas aimed at everyday digestive comfort and gentle hepatocyte support.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

Artichoke leaf is rich in bitter constituents that are traditionally used to support normal bile dynamics and post‑meal comfort. In comprehensive liver routines, it’s often paired with milk thistle, turmeric/curcumin, licorice, and ginger to cover antioxidant and inflammation‑balancing needs while supporting digestion—an approach designed to reduce day‑to‑day strain on the liver.

Evidence snapshot

Compared with better‑studied options in this guide (green tea catechins, curcumin, licorice, ginger, garlic, ginseng, milk thistle), human, liver‑specific clinical data for artichoke leaf are more limited. That’s why many products position it as a complementary digestive/bile‑supportive ingredient within a broader liver formula rather than a stand‑alone primary agent. More rigorous human trials are needed.

Typical dose and form

Artichoke leaf appears in standardized extracts and in multi‑herb blends marketed for liver and digestive support. Consistency over weeks is typical when it’s used as part of a maintenance plan.

• Common forms: Standardized leaf extract capsules; multi‑herb liver/digestive formulas
• How to use: Follow label directions from a third‑party tested product; pair with balanced meals and routine activity

Safety notes and interactions

As with any supplement, context and quality matter. The wider herbal market has documented cases of contamination and herb‑induced liver injury with various products, so choose carefully and monitor how you feel.

• Get medical clearance if: You have diagnosed liver disease, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or take prescription medications
• Stop and seek care if: You notice yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, or right‑upper‑quadrant pain
• Quality matters: Prefer GMP‑made, lab‑tested products with clear identity and potency

Best for

• Blend users: People who want a digestion‑forward botanical inside a multi‑herb liver formula anchored by agents with human data (e.g., curcumin, green tea extract, licorice, ginger)
• Everyday maintenance: Those seeking gentle, bile‑supportive coverage as part of a long‑term routine
• Meal‑time support: Individuals who feel best with a “bitter” to complement post‑meal comfort within a broader liver plan

11. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

What it is

Astragalus (often called Huangqi) is a staple of traditional Chinese medicine and appears in many modern herbs for liver support formulas. It’s an edible root used as a daily “tonic” and as a backbone herb in classic decoctions that target resilience and metabolic balance.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

Astragalus contains bioactive saponins, isoflavonoids, and polysaccharides. In experimental models, these constituents help counter oxidative stress and inflammation and may curb fibrotic signaling—mechanisms that, in theory, ease strain on hepatocytes and support healthier bile dynamics when used within a broader routine.

Evidence snapshot

Human, liver‑specific clinical data for astragalus are limited. Multiple rodent studies suggest protective effects against fibrosis and high‑fat‑diet–induced fatty liver, both when used alone and inside traditional multi‑herb formulas (e.g., Huangqi‑based decoctions). Importantly, astragalus is generally considered safe and has not been associated with liver injury in clinical reporting. More rigorous human trials are needed to define dose–response and outcomes.

Typical dose and form

Astragalus shows up as single‑herb standardized extracts and in multi‑herb TCM‑style blends for metabolic and liver maintenance. Consistent use over weeks is typical when it’s included for supportive care.

• Common forms: Standardized root extract capsules; powders; traditional decoctions; multi‑herb blends
• How to use: Follow label directions on a third‑party tested product; pair with diet and activity changes for metabolic‑liver goals

Safety notes and interactions

Astragalus is generally well‑tolerated and hasn’t been linked to liver injury, but it can interact with medications.

• Get medical clearance if: You take prescription meds, have diagnosed liver disease, or are pregnant/breastfeeding
• Watch for: Yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, right‑upper‑quadrant pain—stop and seek care if these occur
• Quality matters: Choose GMP‑made, lab‑tested products; contamination has been documented in the broader herbal market

Best for

• Blend users: People who want a gentle, complementary botanical inside a multi‑herb liver formula anchored by agents with human data (e.g., curcumin, green tea, licorice, ginger)
• Maintenance support: Those seeking antioxidant/inflammation balance as part of a longer‑term routine
• Conservative shoppers: Individuals prioritizing herbs with favorable safety profiles while awaiting stronger human efficacy data

12. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

What it is

Danshen is the dried root of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a cornerstone herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It’s used in clinics and formulas aimed at circulation, resilience, and hepatic well‑being, and appears in some modern herbs for liver support blends.

Active compounds and how it supports the liver

Preclinical work suggests hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti‑inflammatory actions. In animal models of alcohol‑related liver stress, danshen protected the liver in part by activating PPARα and promoting degradation of lipid peroxidation by‑products like 4‑HNE—mechanisms consistent with easing oxidative load and metabolic strain on hepatocytes.

Evidence snapshot

Evidence skews toward early and combination data:

• Animal studies indicate protection against alcohol‑related liver disease and support for liver tissue regeneration.
• Human evidence includes hospital‑based use of danshen injections, where meta‑analyses suggest potential benefit for liver fibrosis/cirrhosis when used alongside other herbs (for example, Huangqi/astragalus), but these findings apply to prescription injections in supervised settings, not over‑the‑counter capsules.
  Overall, promising but preliminary; rigorous, stand‑alone oral supplement trials are limited and more research is needed.

Typical dose and form

Danshen is delivered in different ways across settings. Injections are medical‑only; consumer products are typically extracts or TCM‑style blends.

• Common forms: Standardized root extract capsules; traditional decoctions/formulas; prescription‑grade injections (clinical settings only)
• How to use: Follow label directions on third‑party tested products; consider guidance from a TCM‑trained clinician if using traditional formulas; injections should only be used under medical supervision

Safety notes and interactions

As with all herbs for liver support, quality and context matter. Herbal products can interact with medications and the wider market has documented cases of contamination and herb‑induced liver injury.

• Get medical clearance if: You have diagnosed liver disease, take prescription meds, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or are a transplant recipient
• Potential interactions: Many herbs may interact with blood thinners, diabetes, and blood‑pressure medications
• Stop and seek care if: You develop jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, or right‑upper‑quadrant pain
• Quality matters: Choose GMP‑made, third‑party tested products

Best for

• Clinician‑guided care: Individuals working with a TCM‑literate practitioner on fibrosis‑risk or alcohol‑related liver stress
• Blend users: People adding danshen as a complementary botanical within multi‑herb formulas anchored by agents with human trial data (e.g., curcumin, green tea extract, licorice, ginger)
• Cautious explorers: Those open to traditional options but willing to prioritize medical oversight and product quality

Key takeaways

Not all liver herbs are created equal. The strongest human data center on curcumin, green tea extract, licorice, ginger, garlic, and ginseng for improving liver enzymes and/or liver fat, with milk thistle a generally safe adjunct showing mixed results. Schisandra, artichoke, astragalus, and danshen are best viewed as complementary options or clinician‑guided tools pending more robust trials.

• Prioritize quality: Choose standardized, third‑party tested products and follow label directions.
• Evidence‑aligned dosing (study ranges): Curcumin 500 mg/day (± piperine) 8–12 weeks; green tea extract 500 mg/day ~12 weeks; licorice extract 2 g/day ~8 weeks; ginger 1.5–2 g/day 12 weeks; garlic powder 800 mg/day 15 weeks; Panax ginseng 3 g/day 12 weeks.
• Safety first: Get medical clearance if you use prescription meds, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or have liver disease; stop and seek care for jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, or RUQ pain.
• Make lifestyle the base: Weight management, nutrition, activity, and alcohol moderation drive outcomes; supplements are adjuncts.
• Go slow: Add one product at a time and monitor how you feel (and labs, when possible).

Prefer a short, structured 7‑day multi‑herb approach made in the USA with lab testing? Explore Magic Detox.